Dear ones,
We pray you are pulling through any of these seasonal viruses hitting us globally!
I was awake just before 3.a.m..often happens….My head filling up already with all that has to be done to keep a mission work going as well as the daily living issues…but I so wanted to have a peaceful time focusing on just Jesus..how does one DO that with a head that buzzes as soon as it is awakened? Well, I just keep offering every thought and concern and idea in prayer to Jesus..committing it all to Him..thanking Him that He will lead and guide and strengthen and keep me going with HIS energy today..along with a good strong morning cuppa of course!
Today, we need to travel a couple of hours in 3 buses to deliver 2000 gospel tracts we have printed to a fellow labourer. At the same time to deliver 4 devotional gift books to friends in that area as belated Christmas gifts..one is to the dear 18 year old student who had his legs amputated below the knee..and a book for his brother who has been responding to the whatsapp spiritual feedings… Another very long term friend and family donate 3 chickens to us in the same area…so we will take advantage of the trip to pick up this chicken ..sometimes we can donate a chicken to a family…Often I cook them..3..then take off the meat, freeze it and make bone broth in a pressure cooker of the bones..We then donate the meat taken off the bones when visiting families..of course we keep for ourselves some as it is part of our income!
We then are going to view a suite, economical in the area which is near a park with woods. I know this area and have longed to be able to live near this park for health reasons. We have to move from where we are as although the climate here has been good for painful joints, it is where sand and gravel mines are and the explosions cause so much dust that I have developed a chronic cough which keeps us awake..so we are on the move again!. I then hope we can get back soon enough for me to take a little nap..HA! Oh the blessed siesta!
Following is an article for the new year..I read it this morning and was prompted to send it to you all…it spoke to me.
Thank you for all your prayers and support, we so appreciate it,
Love Gonzalo and Jenny
Find freedom from fear in the new year
Many people live in fear of what the future might hold. In fact, you might be dreading the new year in front of you because of what you brought with you from [last year]. But the more you read the Bible, especially the book of Revelation, you’ll discover that Jesus holds the future… and He’s holding you.
The Bible is all about Jesus, and Revelation confirms that He’ll come again as King of kings and Lord of lords.2 What a thrilling moment it will be when we hear the trumpet sound and we rise to meet Him!
But even before that wonderful moment, you can find the hope you need to rise above anything that’s striking fear in your heart today. Maybe what you’re seeing in the news is causing you to fear the future. Or maybe you’re battling fear about your health, your job, your finances, or the needs of someone you love.
So how can you find freedom from fears like these in this new year? The key thing you can do is to look up. Get your eyes off this world and fix them on Jesus!
We see a beautiful picture of Jesus in all His heavenly glory in Revelation 1:12–18. The apostle John sees this vision of Jesus and falls at His feet. But Jesus lays His right hand on John and says, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.… Behold, I am alive forevermore.”
So let’s not listen to our fears. Let’s look up and listen to Jesus. Today, He’s telling you, “Fear not.” Why? Because He loves you, and He’s the one in control. He’s the Lord of life, the Lord of all, and He’s on the throne of the universe. And, as a believer, you can stand on the truth that Jesus will hold you in His loving arms all through this new year—and forever.—Jack Graham
My captain
At the start of last year I set off on a journey. Sitting on a pier, breathing in the salty sea air, I felt surges of both excitement and trepidation as my eyes scanned an ocean of time that stretched ahead.
In the course of my voyage, I sometimes faced turmoil and adversity. The turquoise sea became a churning, foaming expanse of dark, angry waves. Stinging rain and blustering winds battered my ship. But there were also times of blessings and steady progress, when bright sunlight sparkled on rolling waves and gentle breezes carried my boat forward.
I didn’t experience these things alone. My captain, Jesus, was with me. Together we faced each day. Together we braved the storms of adversity. Together we laughed and enjoyed the sunshine. I knew Jesus had a plan for our voyage and had charted the way.
Still, there were times when I questioned His judgment, when l already felt weak and weary of the struggle but would catch sight of yet another storm gathering on the horizon. “Jesus, must we go through more hardship?” I would plead, “If You love me as much as You say You do, can’t You make my voyage easier?”
With a smile, Jesus would softly reply, “I do love you that much. I always have and always will. Although everything around you may seem rough and stormy right now, it is only for a time. The sky will appear brighter and more beautiful after the storm. Just hold My hand and I will see you through. Look for the blessings that these storms bring.”
The secret, I learned, was to stay close to Him until the clouds cleared. And while I waited, I discovered some wonderful things. His loving presence became even more real to me during those stormy days, and His reassuring words gave me strength, soothed my nerves, and allayed my fears. And those blessings He spoke of? As I stand at the threshold of another new year, I look back and see that those times of testing engendered courage, faith, and hope—courage to never give up despite opposition and difficulties; faith anchored in a love that will never let me down; and hope in Jesus, who has a perfect plan not only for my next year, but for my whole life.—Elena S.